Smuggler-Hunter-Hummingbird-VanHorn-Hobbit-Secret-Sunnyside Loop Ride

About

This 22.1-mile mountain biking loop near Aspen, Colorado, connects Smuggler, Hunter, Hummingbird, VanHorn, Hobbit, Secret, and Sunnyside trails. The route reaches an elevation of 7,890 feet and typically takes about seven hours to complete. It operates from April through October with parking available at the trailhead and allows pets. The ride features significant climbing on dirt roads, particularly the initial ascent up Smuggler Mountain Road, and nearly all descending occurs on high-quality singletrack. Most of the route is intermediate level, but the final Sunnyside trail section is difficult, characterized by narrow trails, steep terrain, and rocky or rooted surfaces. The landscape includes open meadows, dark timber forests, aspen groves, and red rock shrub oak. Riders can expect varied trail conditions and should bring a map or use the MTB Project mobile app, as cell phone service disappears in the farthest reaches of the route. The loop offers options to add or subtract mileage, including a shortcut using the Smuggler Cutoff Trail and Hunter Creek Toll Road.